Neither elimination from Week 8 of the show came as a big surprise. Melissa and Maks landed at the bottom of the leaderboard on Monday. And for Roshon and Chelsie, despite their second place finish last night, they had been in the Bottom 2 on several previous occasions.

It was sad news though, in particular, for birthday girl Melissa (she turned 48 on Tuesday), whose elimination came after she and Maks earned some of their best scores of the season – a 24 for their fox trot, followed by a 27 for her trio dance, which put her in the middle of a Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy sandwich.

"I can't even describe what a learning and growing experience this has been and it's been a real blessing and a joy," a tearful Melissa said after hearing the news. "And it's been a joy to have my family here and… Maks has been amazing; and incredible teacher, an incredible friend."

"This not the best way for you to spend your birthday, my friend. It really isn't," host Tom Bergeron said.

"Well, actually it is 'cause I'm amazed that I even made it this far and the things that I was able to do and the things that we were able to overcome to have been here, to be here today on this day does make it a really incredible birthday," a proud Melissa replied.

Maks expressed his pride in his partner, even bestowing a new nickname upon her.

"I wish I could have given you a better birthday present but no, I'm just very proud. To me, she is the Comeback Kid, you know?" Maks said. "And, and I'm very honored to have met you and have spent this time together."

For Roshon, the news came after one of his best nights on the show, landing just one point shy of the top spot (which was held by William Levy and Cheryl Burke).

Roshon and Chelsie's first dance on Monday – the fox trot for his grandmothers – earned him big praise from all of the judges and a near perfect 29 points. His second number, the trio dance with Sasha Farber (who promised him he wouldn't go home if he listened to the pro), earned them another 27 points and big cheers in the ballroom.

Reflecting on his time on the show, Roshon said he leaves with his head held high – and a new skill to show off.

"I'm definitely very happy that I can add ballroom dancing into my super duper dance move," the young star noted.

And despite the elimination, Chelsie said she couldn't have been happier with her partner.

"I'm so proud of you," the pro dancer said. "He was such a joy to work with and came every day to work with such a great attitude… I'm happy that I had you as my partner and it's been amazing."

Following the double elimination, just four pairs remain in the competition – Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd; William Levy and Cheryl Burke; Maria Menounos and Derek Hough ; and Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

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